“One’s for Monty. I haven’t found him yet. Have you?”
“We came in together. He just went to see if the Bunch has grabbed a table.”
“They did. Sort of. A couple of tables and some wall space for leaning against. I’ll just work my way back over there.”
“Where are they?”
“Far corner on the street side.”
“Got it. How about the women who came for the H&H tour?”
“We’re there, too. Get yourself a beer and come join us.”
“I will. See you soon.” He resisted the impulse to follow her and forget about the beer. No point in buying one for Monty now, and being in her orbit would give him more of a buzz than any brand of alcohol.
But hustling over there without a beer would be the exact opposite of playing it cool. For the time being, he’d have to be on guard against knee-jerk reactions.
Such as standing here like an idiot watching her thread her way through the crowded room while keeping those beers from spilling. That took concentration and a keen sense of spatial awareness. She’d demonstrated both abilities on day one of the clinic they’d attended.
Working effectively with uncooperative or frightened horses required a unique set of talents. Jordan had them all. She was likely even better at it, now.
So was he. When it came to understanding the magnificent animals they both loved, the learning process never stopped.
Forcing himself to move in the opposite direction, he claimed a spot in the ever-shifting mass of humanity in front of the antique bar. The band finished two numbers and was launching into a third before he finally had a foam-topped mug in hand.
Now to make it over to the far corner of the room. The Bridger Bunch took up space. The immediate family, including the aunties and Grandma Doris numbered fourteen, because now they officially counted Adam’s wife Tracy and her folks Jeff and Carrie.
Mila and Claudie had added the women from the tour group to the mix, making it more than twenty. As he approached, he eyed the situation. Looked like he’d be leaning against the wall like his brothers while he sipped his beer.
“There’s my dance partner!” Auntie Kat popped out of her seat. “I adore this song, Luis. Will you please ask me to dance?”
He laughed and found a spot on one of the tables for his beer. “Auntie Kat, will you give me the honor of a dance?”
“I’d love to, dear boy.” She tucked her arm through his. “I’ll count on you to clear the way. What a mob. I think it’s worse than last year.”
“Or better. Don’t forget Clem’s donating a portion of the take to H&H.”
“I did forget. Thanks for reminding me.”
He led her out on the dance floor. “Do you really like this song? It doesn’t sound like you.”
“I think it’s dopey, but I had a brainstorm and couldn’t wait to tell you. Since it’s a slow two-step we can talk and dance at the same time.”
“You don’t want to wait until tomorrow to tell me? It can’t be that urgent.” He twirled her around the floor.
“It might be.” She matched his steps perfectly. “It’s about your assistant.”
He sucked in a breath. “Tell me you’re not suggesting Jordan.”
“I’m not. I promised her I wouldn’t interfere with whatever is going on with you two. Never mind that you’re perfect for each other.”
“Except for one unsolvable problem.”
“Nothing’s unsolvable. You’re just not thinking outside the box. And don’t roll your eyes at me, Luis Bridger.”
“Perdon, Auntie.” Thinking outside the box was one of her favorite lines and they’d all heard it a million times. “What about my assistant? If you want the job, it’s yours.”
“I wouldn’t be half bad but I have someone else in mind.” She executed a tricky step, twirled under his arm and was facing him again. “Rio.”
